The Patriots traded up from No. 100 overall (Round 3) with Las Vegas to No. 91 and selected UCLA tight end Devin Asiasi.
New England gave up picks No. 100, 139 and 172, and received 91 and 159 in return.
Asiasi was the second tight end selected in the draft, as Adam Trautman and Harrison Bryant were still on the board.
Here are three quick thoughts.
-- Asiasi was the No. 3 tight end in the country (behind Isaac Nauta and Kaden Smith) and the No. 12 recruit in the state of California as a senior in high school. He had a ton of scholarship offers, but ultimately decided on Michigan. He lasted just one season and transferred home to play for UCLA. He sat out the 2017 season, played the last two years, and then passed on his final season of eligibility to declare for the draft.
-- Last fall was his only full college season. In 12 games, he had 44 catches for 641 yards and four touchdowns, while being a Honorable Mention All-Pac 12 team member. Asiasi moves well as a receiving tight end, but also isn't afraid to block, coming in at 6-foot-3, 257 pounds. It appears he's still working his way to being a true professional since he's only had one season as a starter and served a three-game suspension to start the 2018 season for a "violation of team rules."
-- Given his lack of experience, this seems like a bit of a project pick. It's interesting considering other solid tight ends were available, but clearly the Patriots see something. With just Matt LaCosse and Ryan Izzo on the roster, Asiasi will be given the chance to compete for playing time.
